Botanical Name: Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’

Common Name: Dead Nettle

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 4–9

Mature Size: 6–8" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Creeping, Mat-Forming Groundcover

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade (handles morning sun well)

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Adaptable to Most Garden Soils

Water Needs: Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Spring to Early Summer

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Shade Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Clean Growth Habit, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Groundcover, Shade Borders, Under Trees, Woodland Gardens, Edging

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

More Information About Lamium 'White Nancy'

Lamium ‘White Nancy’ is a refined Dead Nettle variety prized for its bright silver foliage and crisp white flowers that appear in spring. The foliage provides season-long interest, reflecting light and visually lifting shaded areas even when the plant is not in bloom. Its low, creeping habit allows it to form a dense, uniform mat that suppresses weeds while remaining tidy and well-behaved. In mild climates, White Nancy retains much of its foliage through winter, extending its value as a shade groundcover.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, White Nancy consistently performed as one of the cleanest and most reliable Lamium varieties. It spread evenly without becoming aggressive, maintained excellent foliage color, and required very little maintenance to look polished. We especially like it for high-visibility shade areas where structure, brightness, and long-term consistency are important.

White Nancy vs. Other Lamium Varieties

Compared to Red Nancy, White Nancy delivers a cooler, more refined look in the landscape. Both share the same tidy, low-growing habit and bright silver foliage, but White Nancy’s pure white flowers create a cleaner, more structured appearance, especially in formal shade borders. Red Nancy introduces warmth with its pink-red blooms, while White Nancy excels where contrast and brightness are the primary goals. In mixed plantings, White Nancy tends to blend more seamlessly with darker greens and architectural shade plants.

When compared to Purple Dragon and Golden Anniversary, White Nancy stands out for its balance and restraint. Purple Dragon offers bolder color and faster spread, making it better suited for large or naturalized areas, whereas White Nancy remains controlled and predictable over time. Golden Anniversary relies on chartreuse foliage for impact, bringing warmth to shade, while White Nancy provides crisp contrast without drawing too much attention to itself. Among Lamium varieties, White Nancy is often the best choice when a polished, timeless groundcover is desired rather than bold color or rapid coverage.